By William Coffman, Local & National News Editor

Xavier is ending the year with a bang, as Cintas Center will host impractical joker Sal Vulcano on April 27.

Vulcano is known for the show “Impractical Jokers,” in which he and friends James Murray, Brian Quinn and until 2021 Joe Gatto undergo challenges such as public dares. The group, which the show describes as “four lifelong friends who compete to embarrass each other,” goes by the name The Tenderloins, and outside of the show have gone on live tours around the U.S. and overseas.

Student interest was apparent, as the show sold out within minutes. Many students have grown up watching “Impractical Jokers” on TV.

“I want to go to the show because I grew up watching it with my family, so it meant a lot to me. Being able to see Sal perform in person sounds really exciting,” Junior Psychology major Kate Hermann said. 

Cincinnati routinely draws comedians to venues across the city, such as the Taft Theatre or the Aronoff Center. Vulcano was just in Cincinnati early last month, performing at the Taft on March 7. 

It has been a few years, however, since Cintas has been able to host a performer like Vulcano who is well known across the country. In the past, Cintas has hosted well-known names, such as Jimmy Fallon or Dave Chapelle for performances. The Office of Student Involvement (OSI) hopes Vulcano’s appearance will not only excite students but reinvigorate on-campus living.

“This has been a long time coming. Our students told us who they most want to see, and we’re thrilled to make it happen. The excitement around this event affirms our commitment to delivering memorable student-driven experiences,” Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Kimberly Moore said.

Efforts to strengthen the on-campus culture have not started with Vulcano. The beginning of the year saw the opening of University Eatz and Arcade, which sits at the corner of Montgomery and Dana and provides pizza and sandwiches, as well as a room full of arcade games for students to go to and use dining dollars at. The university also continues to run the weekly Food Truck Friday, as well as other OSI activities. These efforts will become even more important with the introduction of the three year on-campus living requirement next year as the class of 2030 arrives on campus.

Xavier students will have much to look forward to as the school year comes to a close and summer approaches. Vulcano’s performance will kick off the last week before finals week, and will precede XavierFest, happening on April 30. XavierFest will feature as the headliner Ravyn Lenae and KYLE as the opener.

For the 800 Xavier students with a ticket to Vulcano, it’s sure to be a night full of laughter and fun. XavierFest is open to all students and is happening from 4 to 9p.m. on the Xavier Yard, and will include the performers, food trucks and more.